Scenarios for learning should include several critical elements: a protagonist or main character, that character’s goal, and the challenges that character faces. The main character’s goal is what drives the scenario. All of the action and decisions in the scenario move you closer or further from that goal.
In stories for learning, the protagonist should be someone your learners identify with, a person with similar goals and challenges.
How many options do you need in a branching scenario for each decision point? What number gives the best balance of realism and manageable complexity?
While elearning often focuses on the behavioral aspect of learner engagement, our designs also affect cognitive and affective engagement.
How do you get experience so you can get your first job in instructional design? Find out which nonprofits need help and how to build your portfolio.
Use one-question mini-scenarios to make your assessments more relevant and valuable. They’re fast, flexible, and can work in virtually any tool.
A good fit is important in instructional design roles. Ideally, you want a role doing satisfying work in an organization that values your skills.
Watch the recording of my webinar with Swapna Reddy on scenario-based learning.
A branch and bottleneck scenario structure keeps the complexity of branching scenarios manageable while allowing a deeper progression over time.
When you convert training from classroom to online or blended learning, use a backward design process to focus on the objectives and important skills.